ANC president Zuma stresses on south-south cooperation

Published: Sunday, June 8, 2008, 22:09 [IST]

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New Delhi, June 8 : Africa National Congress (ANC) president Dr. Jacob G Zuma, who arrived today on a four-day visit to India, said here that India, China, South Africa and Brazil are working together to strengthen the bond among the developing nations.

"Strong countries should lead the developing nations and strengthen south-south cooperation," he said.

Commenting on his visit to India, Dr. Zuma said that the relationship between Indian National Congress and African National Congress had a particular history and Mahatma Gandhi has played a significant role in shaping the freedom struggle of both the nations.

"Right from Mahatma Gandhi, the Indian leadership has played an important role in struggle of South Africa," Dr. Zuma told ANI.

He also emphasised on greater need for discussion between developing economies of India and South Africa.

Dr. Zuma will interact with the Indian leadership and also sign a memorandum of understanding with the Congress party to enhance ties between the two parties.

The ANC and the INC will hold delegation-level meeting on Tuesday after which the two parties will sign a memorandum of understanding.

Besides meeting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Dr. Zuma will renew his acquaintance with Congress president Sonia Gandhi whom he had hosted in South Africa in August 2007.

Zuma, who spent a decade in the notorious Robbin Island prison, is accompanied by Ibrahim Ibrahim, the head of ANC's department of international affairs, and another veteran of the party's fight against apartheid.

He will also hold discussions with Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission Montek Singh Ahluwalia.

The visiting leaders will also hold a business meeting with the captains of the Indian industry under the aegis of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Dr Zuma, who was also the Vice President of South Africa, will lead the delegation to Mumbai on Wednesday for interaction with industry leaders there. By Praful Kumar Singh